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Benton Deep Green Tea Toner
Benton,  hydrating toner

Benton Deep Green Tea Toner

the claim

The Benton Deep Green Tea Toner claims to be a light and hydrating toner enriched with Green Tea from Boseong, a famous tea producing region of Korea. It is said to replenish moisture, soothe and freshen the skin to leave it healthy and clear.
 
Benton Deep Green Tea Toner
 

the science

Dominating a gentle formula of only 15 ingredients is Green Tea Leaf Water, represented at a significant concentration of 50%. Extracts from the leaf, seed and root add a further 3%. Green Tea is a potent antioxidant source that helps to protect skin from free radical damage, reduce inflammation, clear cell damage and repair wrinkles. Rich in Catechins, a group of natural compounds called Polyphenols (EGCG in particular) that protect against UV radiation and environmental stressors, green tea also helps to inhibit collagenase, the enzymes that break the peptide bonds in collagen, thus promoting skin firmness and elasticity.

Pomegranate Extract is also high in antioxidants, particularly Vitamin C. It can help to accelerate soothing and healing as well as extend the life of Fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin for an overall firmer and healthy complexion.

Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of Hyaluronic Acid which aids hydration of the skin through an ability to bind to water and fill the spaces between connective skin fibres. This helps to achieve a plumping effect.

Historically used in Asian medicine, Centella Asiatica together with Houttuynia Cordata Extracts are introduced because of their healing and anti-inflammatory properties which assist to reduce acne and inflamed skin. Meanwhile, Willow Bark Extract is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) and natural exfoliant and a source of Salicylic Acid. It strengthens the toner’s ability to cleanse pores and shed dead cells.

Adding support to more prominent humectants (Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol and Betaine), Butylene Glycol additionally assists to increase the penetration of other ingredients and hence boost their effectiveness.
 
Benton Deep Green Tea Toner
 

the ingredients

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water (50%), Aqua (Water), Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract, Camellia Sinensis Root Extract, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Betaine
 
Benton Deep Green Tea Toner Ingredients
 

the packaging

The Benton Deep Green Tea Toner is presented in a brown tinted plastic bottle with controlled dropper top and screw top lid. When new, a foil seal protects the opening from contaminants and spillage.
 
Benton Deep Green Tea Toner Packaging
 

the analysis

Ideal assessments are returned by both the CosDNA and EWG resources, rating the Benton Deep Green Tea Toner a low hazard without warning flags.
 
Benton Deep Green Tea Toner CosDNA Analysis
 

the application

After cleansing, apply a suitable amount to the face with hands or cotton pad. The toner can also be used as a hydrating and cooling skin pack by soaking cotton pads and applying them in a mask like way.
 

the scent

The Benton Deep Green Tea Toner is scent free.
 

the cost

The 150ml bottle of Benton Deep Green Tea Toner costs USD$16.00.
 

the availability

Benton products are available at Korean skincare boutiques including Style Korean and Yes Style. I received mine directly from the brand in exchange for my honest review.
 

the expiry

The toner has a shelf life of two years and must be used within 6 months of opening.
 
Benton Deep Green Tea Toner Expiry
 

the performance

The tinted bottle conceals the watery toner’s slightly brown tinge, a colour that’s not noticeable when dropped into the hand, rather visible on a white cotton pad. This hue is the result of the deeply brewed green tea water. The toner is fragrance free, nor does the formula impart any scent.
 
Benton Deep Green Tea Toner Texture
I used the toner after cleansing in both my morning and evening routines. Application was with my hands, dispensing of cotton pads which I reserve for acid toners only. It’s CosDNA and EWG confirmed safe formulation assures gentle application. It glides on easily and leaves no noticeable residue.

It’s slightly acidic, resembling the skin’s natural pH so helps to overcome any imbalance that might be introduced by the cleansing process. Face oils feel more balanced immediately after absorption. My sometimes oily T-zone feels quite neutralised instantly and this sensation is pleasantly long lasting. I apply two layers after cleansing both morning and night. ​The first seems to balance my face in terms of oils and pH while subsequent skins (layers) contribute noticeable hydration. Initially it delivers a faint cooling effect that might provide light relief to those suffering redness and inflammation.

Its gentle and short ingredient list make it an ideal candidate for the 7-skin method of hydration (seven consecutive layers of toner). This is enhanced by quick absorption and lightweight texture. A formula without complication, consisting of only a few gentle ingredients assures multiple layers slowly increase skin hydration without irritation. As well as practicing and enjoying this process, for the sake of displaying the benefits, I performed the seven skin method on the back of my left hand only. The results are shown below (excuse the mosquito bite remnants on my right hand).
 
Benton Deep Green Tea Toner Performance
It’s clear that the left hand looks fresher, cleaner, more hydrated and brighter. Pores also look smaller and skin more taught. This taught appearance isn’t the result of instant anti-ageing, (although I wish it was), rather, more likely the outcome of botanical extracts cleansing and balancing the oils of the skin. This toner also slightly increases skin smoothness. These results carry through to normal use within my day to day routine, (although to a lesser extent when applying only a couple of skins). Additionally, you can soak cotton pads with the product and adhere them to the skin to accentuate healing properties. In this way, the product acts more like a sheet mask in application. Refrigerating the toner beforehand further boosts soothing effects and accelerate redness, acne and inflammation relief.

Reflecting back on the toner claims and Benton’s recommendations, this product lives up to expectations. It provides a very gentle level of hydration that can be easily increased with layering to suit, in doing so, also assisting to balance natural facial oils. Improved skin moisture combats and revitalises dry and dull skin as well as enhancing the appearances of pores. Perhaps with longer term use and in a balanced routine, the antioxidant and anti-ageing benefits of green tea may eventually be realised.
 
Benton Deep Green Tea Toner
This product would complement any routine for any skin type. It’s a lovely way to introduce skin nutrients, ensuring an ideal acid mantle is returned before serums are layered. Free of harsh chemicals and fragrance, it’s a suitable choice for sensitive skin. Gentle layering provides users the ability to govern how much hydration the toner step achieves to please even drier skin types. I personally found one layer insufficient to give me a satisfying level of hydration and applied 2-3 within each routine. Meanwhile, its oil balancing capability will also delight those at the other end of the scale.
 
Benton Deep Green Tea Toner
 

the conclusion

The Benton Deep Green Tea Toner does what it claims in a gentle fashion. It’s easy to incorporate and customise into any routine to help hydrate, soothe and balance.
 
Benton Deep Green Tea Toner
 

the summary

Pros Cons
Smart, hygienic packaging Only available online for Australians
CosDNA and EWG safe formulation Multiple layers need for sufficient hydration
Excellent choice for the 7-skin method
Absorbs quickly without residue
Helps balance facial oils
Adds light hydration
Suits all skin types

 

the references

Benton website
The Skin Benefits of Green Tea Extract Skin Care Club
Camellia sinensis leaf Truth In Aging
Betaine Truth In Aging
Butylene Glycol The Dermatology Review
Sodium Hyaluronate Truth In Aging
Centella asiatica: The miracle ingredient your skin needs Oh Lolly
Willow Bark Extract Truth In Aging
Punica Granatum Truth In Aging

 


 

the disclaimer

Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 
This product was provided to me free of charge by Benton for review. This post only includes my honest opinion and experience of this product and is in no way influenced by Benton, any of its representatives or any other third party.
 


 

2 Comments

  • Fiona

    Hey! Just read some reviews that the toner caused burning sensation for some people. They think it is bcoz of willow bark extract. Is that possible?

    • denise

      Hi Fiona, thanks for your question.

      Willow bark extract is responsible for exfoliation, a BHA that can irritate those sensitive to such ingredients. However, this ingredient is listed low on the INCI so its only present at a small concentration that I personally found negligible. The rest of the formula is very gentle and dedicated to soothing and protecting so only likely to cause problems for those allergic to any of the inclusions.

      I was able to layer this toner several times without a problem. Those new to acids would appreciate it as it’s so gentle. Those with allergies or hypersensitive skin should be more cautious. As with any product though, it’s worth remembering we all have different skin and our reactions to anything we place on it will vary so it’s always wise to patch test first.

      Hope that helps,
      Denise

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